Endangered giant burrowing frog returns to wild after tadpoles rescued from ashes of black summer fires

Scientists have returned 53 southern giant burrowing frogs to a remote part of eastern Victoria, more than five years after rescuing them as tadpoles from puddles following the 2019–20 bushfires. The release marks a step in efforts to protect a species considered critically endangered in the state, where only five breeding sites are known.

About 160 tadpoles were taken to Melbourne Zoo, raised into frogs and bred in captivity for the first time last year. The released frogs, all males, were tagged and returned after heavy rain; song meters will monitor their calls. Habitat destruction, severe fires and drought threaten the species, which breeds in temporary ponds and can spend long periods underground.